(DOWNLOAD) "Chapter 4: Project Teach: Using Reality Shows As a Framework for Teaching Methods Courses (Part I) (Report)" by Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue * Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Chapter 4: Project Teach: Using Reality Shows As a Framework for Teaching Methods Courses (Part I) (Report)
- Author : Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue
- Release Date : January 01, 2008
- Genre: Education,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 83 KB
Description
When I heard curriculum theorist Madeleine Grumet confess at the 2006 AATC conference that she had not been reading lately because she had been watching the latest season of Project Runway, I immediately perked up, as I was an ardent fan of the first three seasons. Grumet proposed that curriculum theory courses should be taught in a manner similar to the show: students would be presented with a real problem and then be asked to provide solutions to that problem. I am not sure if she thought anyone in the audience would take her comment seriously (although fans of the show readily voiced our agreement), but I spent quite a bit of time pondering her suggestion. Aware of the criticism surrounding the use of popular television shows, like Survivor and Jeopardy, as models for delivering content in the classroom (Gustavson & Appelbaum, 2006), I know that "gimmicks" do not necessarily translate into successful learning experiences. A "reality" course might tap into the interests of my students (as well as my own) but not prepare them for the realities of teaching. Grumet's suggestion is somewhat related to problem-based learning (PBL), and I could see how this television-inspired approach might enrich students' engagement with education courses' texts and topics. Because of the opportunities to apply theoretical readings to practical applications, to encourage creative, autonomous approaches to actual classroom issues, and to challenge the traditional roles of teachers and students, Project Runway provides a useful, alternative model for teaching education courses.